Bihar Police seek ban on over 100 gambling, gaming, 'illegal' loan apps

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Information Technology (MeitY), seeking a ban on more than 100 gambling or gaming and loan-providing apps that are allegedly engaged in money laundering and pose a threat to the financial security of the country. The Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police recently approached MeitY, urging it to ban more than 100 such apps, a senior officer said on Saturday. «The decision was taken after confirming that these apps attract Section 69 of the Information Technology (IT) Act as they contain materials which are prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Several complaints of extortion and harassment had been received from people who had borrowed very small amounts through such loan lending apps,» Additional Director General (ADG) of EOU (Bihar Police) Nayyar Hasnain Khan told. Section 69A of IT Act empowers the government to restrict access to any online content to protect the interest of sovereignty and integrity of the nation, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states and public order. The EOU also received several FIRs registered against these apps and people associated with them in Arwal, Phulwari Sharif (Patna), Aurangabad and Jamui recently, the ADG said.

«It's a serious offence and such digital lending, gaming or gambling apps must be banned as they pose a threat to the financial security of the country. We are keeping a strict vigil on the activities of online lending platforms. »People should also remain alert about the activities of such apps.